Finger mounted insect dissuasion device and method of use

ABSTRACT

An insect dissuasion method that incorporates a miniature fly swatter adapted to be fixed onto an end of a human finger. An insect can be discouraged by simply flexing, slowly encroaching upon and then “flicking” the finger with the attached device to strike the insect. Devices of the present invention are designed to be removably attached to a finger by a ring-like structure. The ring-like structure is tailored to slip onto and engage a finger in various positions and remain attached to the finger when the finger is flicked. Joined to the ring-like structure is an extension shaft that terminates in an insect engagement head. The length and/or cross-sectional profile of the extension shaft can be altered as well as the shape of the head portion or ring-like structure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part and claims the benefit ofU.S. application Ser. No. 10/839,590, filed May 5, 2004, now abandonedthe contents of which are incorporated herein by this reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Devices and methods of the present invention relate to mechanical insectdissuasion devices and in particular to finger mounted fly swatters.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

During outdoor activities one is often annoyed or distracted by aninsect. For example during static outdoor activities such as sun-tanningor reading, a single fly will often persist in annoyance despiterepeated attempts to “discourage” the insect. Such an insectpersistently fly's and lands on one's arm or leg for example.Conventional fly-swatters are cumbersome and due to hygiene concerns,are not well suited for “swatting” one's self. Often one uses theirhand, book or other object to brush away and discourage the insect. Suchattempts are most often ineffective since the insect simply fly's awayand returns to a different location.

The present invention relates to finger-mounted devices and methods ofusing such devices to dissuade insects. There are several priorreferences disclosing various finger-mounted devices. Examples of thesefinger-mounted devices include toothbrushes, dental flossing devices,pens and writing instruments, string instrument picks, computer touchscreen styluses and surgical instruments. None of these referencesdisclose or suggest the use of such devices for the dissuasion ofinsects. In addition, the use of these devices in the manner presentlyclaimed by the applicant would present hygiene concerns or destroy theintended use of the devices. U.S. Pat. No. 1,763,205 (Winbigler) andU.S. Pat. No. 648,336 (Bellamy) disclose finger-mounted game devicesspecifically used to propel miniature golf balls and are also devoid ofany teaching or suggestion relating to the dissuasion of insects.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an insect dissuasion device that resembles aminiature fly swatter adapted to be fixed onto an end of a human finger.When a device of the present invention is attached for example onto anindex finger, normal activities such as holding a book or a drinkcontainer are unimpeded. An insect can be spontaneously discouraged bysimply flexing, slowly encroaching upon and then “flicking” the fingerand the attached device of the present invention. Due to the small sizeof the “finger fly swatter” most insects do not react to its presenceand are caught off-guard by the rapid flicking motion. Most insects areeasily struck and swept away from one's body by the device of thepresent invention, resulting in permanent removal of the particularinsect. The small inconspicuous size of the finger fly swatter allowsfor easy cleaning if needed. The device of the present invention is soeffective in the dissuasion of insects that one often welcomes thepresence of an insect so that it may be discouraged. The dissuasion of aparticularly energetic insect often becomes a challenging sport.

In a preferred embodiment, a device of the present invention isremovably attached to a finger by a ring-like structure. The ring-likestructure is tailored to slip onto and engage a finger in variouspositions and remain attached to the finger when the finger is flicked.Joined to the ring-like structure is an extension shaft that terminatesin an insect engagement head portion. The length and/or cross-sectionalprofile of the extension shaft can be altered as well as the shape ofthe head portion or ring-like structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Shown in FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an insect dissuasion deviceresembling a miniature “fly swatter” according to a preferred embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a device of the present inventionreleasably attached to an index finger.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a device of the present inventionreleasably attached to a second finger.

Shown in front view FIG. 4 is a device of the present inventionreleasably attached to a distal phalanx bone of a human finger.

Shown in front view FIG. 5, a device of the present invention releasablyattached to a middle phalanx bone of a human finger.

FIGS. 6A through 6D show respectively, top views of a device of thepresent invention positioned onto an outside, a top, an inside and abottom surface of a human finger.

Shown in FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of aninsect dissuasion device of the present invention. Shown is a fingerengagement portion, an extension shaft and a head engagement portion.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a device of the present invention havinga slit in the finger engagement portion.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of an alternate, sock or finger-cotconfiguration of a finger engagement portion of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a device of the present invention showing endregions, coupling points and the length of an extension shaft of thepresent invention.

FIG. 11 is a side view of a device of the present invention showing ahead portion that is positioned distally of the finger distal end.

FIG. 12 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention having a head portion that is “integral” with the extensionshaft.

FIGS. 13A and 13B show side views of a device of the present invention.Depicted is an optional feature allowing length adjustment of anextension shaft.

FIG. 14 is a side view of a device of the present invention defining across-sectional viewing plane of an extension shaft.

FIGS. 15A through 15H are examples of various extension shaftcross-sectional profiles according to the present invention.

FIGS. 16A through 16J are front or isometric view examples of varioushead portions according to the present invention (16I excluded forclarity).

FIG. 17 is a top view of a finger with an attached device of the presentinvention. Shown is a finger longitudinal axis having an angular offsetto the extension shaft longitudinal axis.

FIG. 18 is a partial top view of an extension shaft of the presentinvention displaying a printed logo.

FIG. 19 is an isometric view of a wire-formed device of the presentinvention.

FIG. 20 is a solid model perspective view of a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an extension shaft portion showingrelations between cross-sectional perimeter lengths and overall shaftlengths.

FIG. 22 is a side view of a device of the present invention definingangular relations between three longitudinal axis.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The bones of the fingers (and toes) are known as phalanges (singular:phalanx). Each finger has three phalanges, with the exception of thethumb, which has only two. The phalanges are referred to by theirposition with respect to the body when the hand is extended. The bonesat the ends of the fingers, because they are the most distant from thebody, are the distal phalanges. The next are the middle phalanges (whichthe thumb does not have). Those articulating with the metacarpals of thehand are the proximal phalanges.

Shown in FIG. 1 is an insect dissuasion device 20 resembling a miniature“fly swatter” according to a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. Shown is an isometric rendering of a human hand 25 having anindex or first finger 30 a in a “pre-flicked” or curled state.Releasably attached to the index finger 30 a is an insect dissuasiondevice 20 of the present invention. From this position, the index fingerand the attached device of the present invention can be “flicked” tostrike an insect or other object. The term “flicked” as used herein isdefined as a rapid transition of a finger from a contracted or curledstate to an approximately linear extended state. The concept of“flicked” is illustrated in FIG. 1. The index finger is initially in acurled state 30 a and is then rapidly moved 35 to an approximatelylinear extended state 30 b. When the finger is flicked the attacheddevice 20 of the present invention is used to contact or strike aninsect 40 or other object. As an alternate to a finger flicking motion,the device of the present invention can be used with a simple strikingmotion wherein the finger is not initially curled as shown in FIG. 1.

The following definition excerpt from Merriam-Websters CollegiateDictionary, 11'th Edition, comport with the usage of “strike”:

STRIKE

Main Entry: 1 strike

-   -   2a: to aim and usually deliver a blow, stroke, or thrust (as        with the hand, a weapon, or a tool)    -   3: to come into contact forcefully *two ships struck in mid        channel*    -   1a: to strike at: HIT b: to drive or remove by or as if by a        blow c: to attack or seize with a sharp blow (as of fangs or        claws) “struck by a snake”    -   d: INFLICT “strike a blow”    -   9a(1): to bring into forceful contact

There are several finger locations and orientations suitable for usewith devices of the present invention. For example as shown in isometricFIG. 2, a device of the present invention 20 can be releasably attachedto an index finger 30. In an alternate position shown in isometric FIG.3, a device of the present invention 20 can be releasably attached to asecond finger 45. Other digits of a hand that are suitable for attachinga device of the present invention include a third finger 46, a fourthfinger 47 and a thumb 48.

Devices of the present invention can also be releasably attached todifferent phalanges of a finger. For example as shown in front view FIG.4, a device of the present invention 20 can be releasably attached to adistal phalanx 50. In an alternate position shown in front view FIG. 5,a device of the present invention 20 can be releasably attached to amiddle phalanx 55. Devices of the present invention can also bereleasably attached to proximal phalanges. Although the effectiveness ofthe flicking motion is compromised, the attachment to a proximal phalanxprovides a convenient means for “storing” a device of the presentinvention. When attached to a proximal phalanx, normal use of the handis less impaired and a device of the present invention can be readilyrepositioned to a more effective flicking position.

Devices of the present invention can also be releasably attached ontoand oriented about different angular positions of a finger. For exampleas shown in top view FIG. 6A, a device of the present invention 20 canbe oriented about the outside or nail surface of a finger. Shown is afinger 30, a device of the present invention 20 having a fingerengagement portion 60, an extension shaft 65 and a striking head portion70. When oriented about the outside of a finger, the extension shaft 65is adjacent to the outside or nail surface of a finger.

Alternately, a device of the present invention can be rotated about 90°from the position shown in FIG. 6A, so that an extension shaft 65 isadjacent the top side of a finger. This orientation of a device of thepresent invention is depicted in top view FIG. 6B showing a device onthe top of a finger in an orientation similar to that shown in FIG. 1.Devices of the present invention can also be positioned so that anextension shaft 65 is adjacent an inside surface of a finger. Shown intop view FIG. 6C is a device of the present invention 20 oriented sothat an extension shaft 65 is adjacent the inside surface of a finger.In this orientation a device of the present invention is rotatedapproximately 180° from the position shown in FIG. 6A, so that anextension shaft 65 is adjacent the inside surface of a finger.

Devices of the present invention can also be positioned so that anextension shaft 65 is adjacent a bottom surface of a finger. Shown intop view FIG. 6D is a device of the present invention 20 oriented sothat an extension shaft 65 is adjacent the bottom surface of a finger.In this orientation a device of the present invention is rotatedapproximately 180° from the position shown in FIG. 6B, so that anextension shaft 65 is adjacent the bottom surface of a finger.

Shown in FIG. 7 is a preferred embodiment of an insect dissuasion device20 that resembles a miniature “fly swatter” adapted to be fixed onto anend of a human finger. A device 20 of the present invention preferablyhas a finger engagement portion 60, coupled to an extension shaft 65that terminates into a head portion 70. In one embodiment, the fingerengagement portion 60 can be configured to resemble and function like acommon finger ring. In such a configuration, the finger engagementportion 60 is dimensioned to slip-fit onto and remain attached to ahuman finger. When desired, the ring-like structure can be“worked-loose” and removed, thereby being “releasably attached” to thefinger. The finger engagement portion can be formed of a resilient,compliant material or be semi-rigid. The inside or finger-contactingsurface of a finger engagement portion can optionally incorporatefriction or retention enhancing features. Such features include but arenot limited to high-friction coatings, pressure point protrusions or“fish scale-like” angled flaps that resist removal of a finger.

Optionally, a ring-like finger engagement portion 60 can incorporate aslit 75 as shown in isometric view FIG. 8. By incorporating a slit 75, amore rigid material such as a rigid plastic or ductile metal can be usedto form the finger engagement portion 60. In this embodiment the fingerengagement portion can be deformed by a user to accommodate theparticular dimensions of a specific finger. As an alternate to a slit, afinger engagement portion of the present invention can also incorporatea circumferential “over-lap” (commonly found on finger rings) to provideuser selected sizing.

Finger engagement portions 60 of the present invention can also utilizea “finger-cot” or slip-on cup configuration 80 as shown in FIG. 9. A cup80 can be formed from a resilient, compliant material or be semi-rigidand sized to fit a specific range of finger dimensions.

Shown in FIG. 10 is a side view of a device of the present invention 20having a finger engagement portion 60, an extension shaft 65 and a headportion 70. The extension shaft 65 has a first end region 85 coupled tothe finger engagement portion 60 that defines a first coupling point 95.The extension shaft 65 has a second end region 90 coupled to the headportion 70 defining a second coupling point 100. The extension shaft hasa length 105 defined as the approximate distance between the firstcoupling point 95 and second coupling point 100.

Shown in FIG. 11 is a side view of a device of the present invention 20with a finger engagement portion 60 releasably attached to a distalphalanx 50 of an index finger 30. The finger 30 has a distal end 110 andthe device head portion 70 is shown in a position that is distal to thefinger distal end 110. The device head portion may also be juxtaposedto, adjacent to or proximal to the distal end 110 of a finger. Thedevice head portion may also overlay or be in contact with the fingernail or any other portion of the finger.

An alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 12.Shown is a side view of a device of the present invention 20 having anengagement head portion 70 that is integral to an extension shaft 65. An“engagement head” is defined as any structure coupled to or integral toa finger engagement portion or extension shaft that has the intendedpurpose of striking an insect or other object.

In an alternate preferred embodiment, devices of the present inventioncan incorporate a slip or adjustable fit feature at the first couplingpoint between a finger engagement portion 60 and an extension shaft 65.This slip-fit feature allows a user to interchange various shafts or toadjust the effective length 105 of the extension shaft. Shown in sideview FIG. 13A is a device of the present invention 20 having a headportion 70, an extension shaft 65 and a finger engagement portion 60.The coupling 95 between the extension shaft 65 and the finger engagementportion 60 allows the extension shaft to be adjusted to length 105 a.Shown in side view FIG. 13B is a device of the present invention 20wherein the extension shaft has been adjusted to a shorter length 105 b.The first coupling point 95 has a slip fit feature that allowspositional adjustment between the finger engagement portion and theextension shaft. Devices of the present invention can have extensionshaft lengths 105 ranging from about 5 mm (0.2″) to about 130 mm (5.2″)or greater. A preferred range of extension shaft lengths 105 is fromabout 20 mm (0.8″) to about 80 mm (3.2″). Extension shaft lengths of thepresent invention can be about 5 mm (0.2″), about 10 mm (0.4″), about 15mm (0.6″), about 20 mm (0.8″), about 25 mm (1″), about 30 mm (1.2″),about 35 mm (1.4″), about 40 mm (1.6″), about 45 mm (1.8″), about 50 mm(2″), about 60 mm (2.4″), about 70 mm (2.8″), about 80 mm (3.2″), about90 mm (3.6″), about 100 mm (4″), about 110 mm (4.4″), about 120 mm(4.8″), about 130 mm (5.2″0 or greater.

As shown in side view FIGS. 13A and 13B the proximal end 115 of theextension shaft is retracted (FIG. 13A) or extended (FIG. 13B) relativeto the finger engagement portion 60. The slip-fit feature, allowingshaft interchangeability and adjustability, can be a properly sizedthrough hole in the finger engagement portion that provides adequatefriction between the through hole and the extension shaft. Deformablepinch points, adhesives, snap locks, set screws, wedges or any suitablemeans can be incorporated into the coupling point 95 to allowinterchangeability, adjustment and retention of an extension shaft.

Also shown in FIG. 13B is a finger engagement portion 60 having alongitudinal length 120. Embodiments of the present invention can havefinger engagement longitudinal lengths 120 ranging from about 1 mm(0.04″) to about 20 mm (0.8″). A preferred range of finger engagementlongitudinal lengths 120 is from about 3 mm (0.1″) to about 15 mm(0.6″). A more preferred range of finger engagement longitudinal lengths120 is from about 5 mm (0.2″) to about 10 mm (0.4″).

Extension shafts of the present invention can have various shapes andcross-sectional profiles. Shown in FIG. 14 is a side view of a device ofthe present invention 20 having an extension shaft 65 with alongitudinal axis 125. Cross-sectional plane 15 defines a viewing planeorthogonal to the longitudinal axis 125 of the extension shaft 65. FIGS.15A through 15H are example cross-sectional views of extension shafts asviewed along a shaft longitudinal axis.

Shown in FIG. 15A is an extension shaft 65 a that has a round orcircular profile. Extension shafts can have an oval shaped, hollow tubeshaped or partial tube shaped profile.

Shown in FIG. 15B is an extension shaft 65 b having a square profile.Extension shafts can have a square hollow tube shaped or partial tubeshaped profile.

Shown in FIG. 15C is an extension shaft 65 c having a rectangularprofile and FIG. 15D depicts an extension shaft 65 d having a “tee”shaped profile.

Shown in FIG. 15E is an extension shaft 65 e having a “L” shaped profileand FIG. 15F depicts an extension shaft 65 f having a channel or “C”shaped profile.

Shown in FIG. 15G is an extension shaft 65 g having a triangular shapedprofile and FIG. 15H depicts an extension shaft 65 h having a “cross”shaped profile. Other possible cross-sectional profiles include polygonsor irregular shapes.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention incorporates a slip oradjustable fit feature at the first coupling point between a fingerengagement portion and an extension shaft. This slip-fit feature,generally depicted in FIGS. 13A and 13B, allows a user to interchangevarious shafts and to adjust or vary the effective length of theextension shaft. The example profiles shown in FIGS. 15A through 15H canbe adapted to slip fit into a matching hole in a finger engagementportion. Specific profiles can allow various adjustments of the angularrelation between a finger engagement portion and an extension shaft orbetween an extension shaft and a head portion. For example a roundprofile allows infinite angular adjustment (or rotation along theextension shaft longitudinal axis) between the two components. A regulartriangular shaped profile, as shown in FIG. 15G, allows three angularpositions, while a square profile (FIG. 15B) or a cross profile (FIG.15H) allow four angular orientations.

Devices of the present invention can have head portions of variousconfigurations examples of which are shown in side view FIGS. 16Athrough 16J (16I excluded for clarity). Shown in FIG. 16A is a headportion 70 a having a paddle shape. Shown in FIG. 16B is a paddle shapedhead portion 70 b having a centerline axis 120 that is offset from theextension shaft longitudinal axis 125.

Shown in FIG. 16C is a paddle shaped head portion 70 c having holes,spikes or dimples 130. Shown in FIG. 16D is a paddle shaped head portion70 d having a tapered or pointed shaped tip 135.

The following definition excerpt from Merram-Webster's CollegiateDictionary, 11'th Edition, comport with the usage of “paddle”:

PADDLE

Main Entry: 2 paddle

-   -   1a: a usually wooden implement that has a long handle and a        broad flattened blade and that is used to propel and steer a        small craft (as a canoe) b: an implement often with a short        handle and a broad flat blade that is used for stirring, mixing,        or hitting; especially: one used to hit a ball in any of various        games (as table tennis)    -   2b: any of the broad blades attached to a shaft (as in an ice        cream machine) and used for stirring

A paddle head portion can be further defined as a three dimensionalshape having a length, a height and a thickness. The length and heightdefine a striking surface or plane that is perpendicular to a “strikingaxis” that is parallel to the finger flicking axis as shown in FIG. 1,item 35. The length is at least equal to the height. The thickness isless than about ⅓ of the smaller of the length or height. The strikingsurface may have through holes or may have a concave or convex profile.The paddle head portion is joined to an elongate shaft or handle.

Shown in FIG. 16E is a “whip” shaped head portion 70E having a thinelongate portion 140 terminating in a ball 145. The ball 145 canincorporate spikes and can be of any bulbous shape. Other whip-likeconfigurations can include, but are not limited to, whips not having abulbous shape near the end as generally depicted in FIG. 12.

Shown in FIG. 16F is a “whip” shaped head portion 70F having a thinelongate portion 140 terminating in a spike 150. Multiple spikes 150 canbe incorporated into the terminal end of the elongate structure 140.

A whip-like configuration can have various cross-sectional profiles andhave a length equivalent to the “extension shaft” lengths previouslydefined.

The following definition excerpt from Merriam-Websters CollegiateDictionary, 11'th Edition, comport with the usage of “whip”:

WHIP

Main Entry: 2 whip

-   -   1: an instrument consisting usually of a handle and lash forming        a flexible rod that is used for whipping    -   7: the quality of resembling a whip especially in being flexible        8: WHIP ANTENNA

Rod shaped head portions can also be incorporated into the presentinvention. A “rod” shaped head is similar to a whip except the rod isgenerally stiffer and less flexible than a whip. Such rod shapes canhave various cross-sectional profiles, shown for example in FIGS. 15Athrough 15H. A rod-like configuration can have a length equivalent tothe “extension shaft” lengths previously defined.

The following definition excerpt from Merriam-Webster's CollegiateDictionary, 11'th Edition, comport with the usage of “rod”:

ROD

Main Entry: rod

-   -   1a(1): a straight slender stick growing on or cut from a tree or        bush b(1): a slender bar (as of wood or metal)

Shown in FIG. 16G is a “rake” shaped head portion 70G having a thinelongate portion 140 terminating in a rake configuration 170. The rakeconfiguration includes at least two elongate fingers and is similar inshape to a common “leaf rake” or fork.

Shown in FIG. 16H is a “human hand” shaped head portion 70H having athin elongate portion 140 terminating in a human hand configuration 175.The human hand can have an open, slapping configuration as shown or havea “closed fist” configuration.

Shown in FIG. 16J is a “butterfly net” shaped head portion 70J having athin elongate portion 140 terminating in a butterfly net configuration180.

Other striking head configurations adaptable to the present inventioncan include, but are not limited to shapes such as blocks, coiledsprings, baseball bats, hockey sticks, tennis rackets, golf clubs, legportions with a kicking boot, boxing gloves, swords, animal shapes suchas cobra snakes, sharks, predator birds and “alien monsters”.

Shown in FIG. 17 is a device of the present invention 20 attached to afinger 30 having a distal phalanx longitudinal axis 155. Also shown isan extension shaft longitudinal axis 125. An optional or adjustableangle 160 can be incorporated into devices of the present inventionallowing the distal phalanx longitudinal axis 155 to have an angularoffset to the extension shaft longitudinal axis 125. Other alternateembodiments of the present invention include a finger-mounted flyswatter having double or two-ring-like finger engagement portions. Thetwo ring-like or other structures can be releasably attached to a singlefinger bone segment or onto two different bone segments. Such devicescan include the incorporation of a pivot mechanism at one or more of thecoupling points between a finger engagement portion and an extensionshaft. Devices of the present invention can also incorporate adeformable extension shaft so that a user can form and set arcs, twistsor other shapes onto an extension shaft. As shown in FIG. 18, devices ofthe present invention can be labeled or patterned with logos,trademarks, tradenames or other visual indicators. Shown in partial topview FIG. 18 is an example logo 165 printed onto an extension shaft 65.

Shown in FIG. 19 is an alternate embodiment of an insect dissuasiondevice according to the present invention. Shown in FIG. 19 is awire-formed device of the present invention 21 having a fingerengagement portion 60, coupled to an extension shaft 65 that terminatesinto a head portion 70.

Shown in FIG. 20 is a preferred embodiment of the present invention.Shown is a solid model of a device 200 of the present invention having afinger engagement portion 60, coupled to an extension shaft 65 thatterminates into a striking head portion 70. The coupling point betweenthe extension shaft 65 and the finger engagement portion 60 incorporatesa tight slip fit feature that allows interchangeability of variousextension shafts with different striking head configurations. The slipfit feature also allows adjustability of the effective length of theextension shaft. The longitudinal axis of the extension shaft has anangular offset of about 30° from the longitudinal axis of a human distalphalanx as shown in FIG. 17.

Shown in FIG. 21 is a general perspective view of a portion of anextension shaft 140 according to the present invention. As shown theshaft 140 has various cross-sectional perimeters 210A, 210B that areperpendicular to the shaft longitudinal axis 125 as viewed along theshaft longitudinal axis 125. To be considered a “shaft” within the scopeof the present invention, two cross-sectional perimeters, separated byat least about 10 mm (0.4″), each must have an overall perimeter lengththat is substantially less than the overall length 205 of the shaft.

The following definition excerpt from Merriam-Webster's CollegiateDictionary, 11'th Edition, comport with the usage of “shaft”:

Main Entry: 1 shaft

-   -   1a (1): the long handle of a spear or similar weapon (2): SPEAR,        LANCE: POLE; c (1): an arrow especially for a longbow (2): the        body or stem of an arrow extending from the nock to the head 3:        something suggestive of the shaft of a spear or arrow especially        in long slender cylindrical form: as a: the trunk of a tree b:        the cylindrical pillar between the capital and the base c: the        handle of a tool or instrument (as a golf club) e: the stem or        central axis of a feather f: the upright member of a cross        especially below the arms g: the cylindrical part of a long bone        between the enlarged ends h: a small architectural column (as at        each side of a doorway) i: a column, obelisk, or other        spire-shaped or columnar monument

Shown in FIG. 22 is a side view of a device 20 of the present inventionshowing preferred angular relations between three longitudinal axis.Shown is a finger engagement portion 60, attached to an extension shaft65 that terminates into a striking portion 70. The finger engagementportion 60 has a longitudinal axis 155 that is coincident with thedistal phalanx longitudinal axis (as defined in FIG. 17). The extensionshaft 65 has a longitudinal axis 125 (as defined in FIGS. 14 and 17).The striking head portion 70 has a longitudinal axis 120 (as defined inFIG. 16B). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thefinger engagement longitudinal axis 155 is parallel to or forms an anglewithin about ±70° to the extension shaft longitudinal axis 125. Theextension shaft therefore protrudes within a cone having a central axisparallel to the finger engagement portion longitudinal axis. The conehas an included angle of about 140° with an apex coincident with theshaft to finger engagement coupling point 95 (as defined in FIGS. 10,13A and 13B).

The extension shaft longitudinal axis 125 is also parallel to or formsan angle within about ±30° to the striking head longitudinal axis 120.The striking head longitudinal axis therefore protrudes within a conehaving a central axis parallel to the extension shaft longitudinal axis.The cone has an included angle of about 60° with an apex coincident withthe shaft to striking head coupling point 100 (as defined in FIG. 10).

Finger engagement portions, extension shafts and head portions of thepresent invention can all be of the same material or these componentscan be of different materials. For example a finger engagement portionand a head portion of the present invention can be fabricated from aplastic and combined with an extension shaft fabricated from a metal.Finger engagement portions, extension shafts and head portions of thepresent invention can be formed from numerous materials. These materialsinclude but are not limited to polymers such as polyethylene,polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, styrenics, polyurethanes,thermoplastic elastomers, nylons, polycarbonate, polyethyleneterephthalate, phenolics, thermoset polyesters, silicones, rubber andacetals. Other suitable materials include metals and alloys of gold,silver, tin, nickel, irons, steels, aluminum, coppers and nitinol.Materials used to fabricate components of the present invention can varyin the degree of, for example, rigidity, stiffness, elasticity,toughness, deformability or compliance depending on the configurationand intended purpose of the specific component. Casting, injectionmolding, compression molding, insert molding, machining,stamping/forming, photo-etching/forming, stereo lithography, wireforming or any other suitable manufacturing method can be used tofabricate devices of the present invention.

EXAMPLE #1

Plastic rings of various sizes and stiffness were procured from a partysupply outlet. The selected rings typically had a flat or large oval topportion representing a gem or stone molded onto a finger engagementportion. A typical flat portion of a ring had a surface area ofapproximately 10 mm (0.4″) by 10 mm (0.4″) or larger. The rings weretypically soft and compliant and could expand to fit tightly onto fingerhaving a diameter of about 15 mm (0.6″) to about 20 mm (0.8″). Using arazor, a shallow groove or vee-shaped channel was cut into the topsurface of the ring portion that simulated a flat gemstone. The cutchannel was about 10 mm (0.4″) long, by about 1 mm (0.04″) wide andabout 1 mm (0.04″) deep. This channel was then used to align and mountan extension shaft and head portion onto the finger engagement portion.

A large paper clip having a plastic coated wire with a diameter of about1.5 mm (0.06″) was bent and formed into a rectangular head portion andan extension shaft. The head portion was about 15 mm (0.6″) by 8 mm(0.3″) and the overall length of the extension shaft and head portionwas about 50 mm (2″). The formed wire was then attached to the channelin the top surface of the ring with a 10-minute two part epoxy. Aftercuring the epoxy, the assembly had the general appearance of the device20 shown in FIG. 10. The modified ring with the attached shaft and headportion was then positioned onto various fingers, finger locations andfinger orientations. In an initial outdoor trial, 4 flies and severalants were easily and effectively dissuaded within a 20-minute period.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specificembodiments, it is evident that many alterations and variations will beapparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoingdescriptions and annexed drawings. Accordingly, the invention isintended to embrace all of the alternatives and variations that fallwithin the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

1. A method of deterring an insect, comprising: a) supplying an insectdeterrent device comprising an extension shaft having a length and firstand second opposing end regions, the first shaft end region joined to afinger attachable ring-like structure, the second shaft end regionjoined to a striking head, the shaft having two cross-sectionalperimeters separated by at least about 10 mm with each perimeter havinga length that is substantially less than the shaft length, the ring-likestructure, extension shaft and striking head each having a longitudinalaxis, the ring-like structure longitudinal axis being parallel to orforming an angle within about ±70° to the extension shaft longitudinalaxis, the extension shaft longitudinal axis being parallel to or formingan angle within about ±30° to the striking head longitudinal axis; b)releasably attaching the ring-like structure with joined shaft of thedeterrent device to a human finger having a distal tip which is not athumb such that the ring-like structure circumscribes only a singlehuman finger and so that the striking head is positioned distal to thefinger distal tip; c) forming the finger with the attached deterrentdevice into a pre-flicked or curled state; d) flicking the curled fingerto cause the striking head of the deterrent device to strike an insect.2. The method of claim 1 wherein the striking head has a ball shape. 3.The method of claim 1 wherein the extension shaft with joined strikinghead is releasably attached to the ring-like structure.